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Do you secretly love browsing property estate listings? Then a career in the real estate industry might be just for you—not to mention potentially lucrative (there’s a reason all those wealthy yacht owners invest in property!).
But if you are short on the millions you need to invest in property, there is an easy, fun way to get started in this industry and get your feet wet. That’s working as a property manager.
In this guide, we’ll tell you what skills and qualifications you need to become a property manager. Plus, we’ll give you some top tips for getting started, so read on.
What’s a Property Manager’s Role?
A property manager looks after rental homes. You might also interchangeably hear the terms landlord, real estate manager, or property administrator. The role is similar to a real estate agent, where responsibilities will include:
- Advertising each property for rent
- Collecting rent and other administrative jobs
- Showing prospective tenants around the property
- Handling tenant problems, such as repairs
- Handling property owner problems, such as unpaid rent
A property manager will often find themselves in a coordinator role, liaising between owner, tenant, and third-party contractors when managing properties.
Let’s Look at the Qualifications
There are several qualifications and certifications you’ll want to add to your resume before moving into a career in real estate management. These are the most important ones:
- A degree is optional, but you should have a high school diploma as a minimum
- A state-level property licensing certification
- A national qualification, either NALP (National Apartment Leasing Professional), CAM (Certified Apartment Manager), CPM (Certified Property Manager), or MPM (Master Property Manager)
Don’t forget to see whether your state has any specific licensing requirements. States have different rules to one another.
What About Skills?
Some people are naturally more suited to property management because of their skills and personality. Here are some of the skill sets you should cite as one of your strengths:
- You can communicate naturally and effectively, whether by phone, video, or in-person
- You are exceptionally organized and able to juggle lots of tasks and responsibilities at once
- You have good attention to detail and can spot problems and issues before other people
- You always take the initiative and get things done without waiting to be asked
Property managers are in a unique position, as both owners and tenants are equally reliant on an effective manager. You’ll need to juggle both sets of priorities.
Also, check – What Are The Financial Benefits Of Investing In Rental Properties?
Take a Specialist Course
Before applying for your first property management job, you can take simple steps to stand out from other candidates.
Why not find an online course in property management or administration? It’s something to add to your resume and show your commitment and dedication.
You could also take on an unpaid internship in a property management company to get valuable experience in the industry.
And an internship often leads to opportunities in paid, full-time property management jobs if you can showcase your best skills.
Are You Ready to Become a Property Manager?
Perhaps you are looking for your first job or seeking a dramatic career change. Either way, use the tips we’ve outlined in this guide on how to become a property manager to help you launch your career.
For more job-related tips and advice, search our real estate section before you go.
